We're looking for life on other planets. Are we ready to find it?

NPR | By Debbie Elliott,

Janaya Williams, Daniel Ofman

Published September 27, 2026 at 5:14 PM EDT

In 1960, astronomer Frank Drake listened for signals from alien worlds. Reporter Brendan Byrne's podcast When We Find Them picks up the search and asks what would happen if we finally find something.

Debbie Elliott

NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South.

See stories by Debbie Elliott

Janaya Williams

Daniel Ofman

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